UNDERSTANDING TECHNOLOGY: Is Tech in the Bible?

WHAT IS TECHNOLOGY?
It's the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. It's machinery and equipment developed from the application of scientific knowledge. In plain language, technology is the invention of useful things to solve problems. To this definition, we could also add that technology can include the creation of things that make life easier.

The concept of technology is primarily for problem solving and so as long as there's been, there is and there will be problems in the home, Church, school, office, in all human endeavors, technology will remain relevant. If humans are involved then tech is involved.

WHY TECHNOLOGY?
The importance of technology cannot be overemphasized as seen from the beginning of man; when God in the garden of eden produced a 'clothe' to cover up man. There was a problem of nakedness and a solution of cloth was made.

The importance of technology in our everyday lives is enormous but a few include;

• It helps improve communication.
• It helps improve efficiency of employers and employees.
• It provides an unlimited supply of knowledge.
• It increases employee engagement.
• It helps to explore new markets and avenues for growth.
• It’s necessary for expansion in business.

Let's consider the importance of technology in the evolution of communication. Technology has made communications not to only change in form and function but also in its ability to reach longer distances. Cavemen used drawings within caves to communicate their message. Then there was the smoke signal for long distance communication.

Then came the use of carrier pigeons to carry handwritten notes across cities. As the industrial era set in, there was introductions of more advanced forms of communications such as the telegraph which allowed communication via morse code and the telephone which introduced voice communications across long distances.

The telephone evolved to mobile phone and today we have the smartphones that serve much purposes than just as a means of communication. Technology made it simpler, easier and possibly cheaper to communicate.

TECHNOLOGY TYPES
There's a vast array of technology types, even though 2 or more could be classified under the same umbrella name. For instance, there's information technology and communications technology but because of the singularity of purpose they're placed under the umbrella, Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Some technology types include;

• Business Technology. It’s technology that helps a organisation run its business and operational processes. Some examples are Software and Productivity Tools, Networking of Computers and Printers, Financial Accounting System, Inventory Control System, Customer Relationship Management Systems.
• Agricultural Technology. These are developed to increase production, resolve chemo-physical, biological, and socioeconomic constraints related to crop production systems. Examples are Soil and Water Sensors, Weather Tracking, Satellite Imaging, Pervasive Automation, Minichromosomal Technology, RFID Technology, Vertical Farming.
• Educational Technology. It is any concept or tool that facilitates learning by way of technological resources. Examples include Digital readers and tablets, 3D printing, Virtual reality, Artificial intelligence.
• Information Technology. It is any piece of software or equipment responsible for delivering, storing or sending information, most commonly text, images, video or audio. Examples include personal computers and their accessories, computer networks, landline and mobile phones, flash drives and some softwares.
• Communications Technology. It’s also known as information technology, refers to all equipment and programs that are used to process and communicate information. Some examples are the Internet, multimedia, e-mail, telephone and other sound-based and video-based communication means.
• Entertainment Technology. It is the discipline of using manufactured or created components to enhance or make possible any sort of entertainment experience. Like other types of technology, it intertwines with other tech types. Some examples are Virtual Reality Activities, AI-Created Media Content, Living In An Augmented Reality, IoT-Driven Museums, Gaming On The Block chain.
• Medical Technology. It’s the application of organized knowledge and skills in the form of devices, medicines, vaccines, procedures, and systems developed to solve a health problem and improve quality of lives. Examples include Robotic surgery, Wireless brain sensors, Artificial organs, Health wearables.

TECH IN THE BIBLE
In talking about technology, it's only fair to trace it to its origin. Per the definition of technology (...the creation of things that make life easier), it seems to concur with the first verse in the Holy Bible, Genesis 1:1 (in the beginning, God created...). In Genesis 1:26, the Bible says "Let us therefore create man in image and LIKENESS". Man was thus created to have the very creative ability as God.

There's therefore no surprise that over the years, man has been creating. In Genesis 4:22, one of Cain's decendants (Tubal Cain) created tools (technology) our of bronze and iron. The popular story of Noah building the ark was a monumental technological breakthrough in transportation (Reference Genesis 6).

In the new testament, we find Paul making use of communication technology by writing letters. It'll thus be erroneous for a Christian to tag today's technological advancements as demonic.

CONCLUSION
Technology, like every other thing, in the hands of a bad person will be used for evil, likewise in the hands of a good person, it'll be used for good. The saying has been that evil prevails when good men do nothing or little. With all the good intentions we have as Christians, if we leave technology to the evil masterminds, evil will keep prevailing and we'd have so much praying to do.

Bible verses about technology
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Isaiah 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

2 Chronicles 26:15 And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.

Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Genesis 4:22 And Zillah gave birth to Tubal-cain, who is the father of every maker of cutting instruments of brass and iron: and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.